A study from Travel + Leisure ranks Philadelphia in the top ten cities for hipsters

Published Apr 25, 2012 at 3:42 PM

Receive the latest fashion updates in your inbox

A study conducted by Travel + Leisure Magazine where readers voted for America’s best cities for hipsters has Philly in the top ten. The study ranked 35 metropolitan areas “on culturally relevant features like live music, coffee bars, and independent boutiques.” To zero in on the biggest hipster crowds, they also factored in results for the best microbrews and most offbeat and tech-savvy locals.

A hipster is defined by Merriam-Webster as “a person who is unusually aware of and interested in new and unconventional patterns (as in jazz or fashion). T + L’s take is a bit different.
“You generally know hipsters when you see them—most likely in funky, up-and-coming neighborhoods. A smirking attitude toward mainstream institutions means they tend to frequent cool, often idiosyncratic restuarants, shops, and bars—the same kinds of venues that appeal to travelers looking for what they can’t find at home.”

Rounding out the top 10 is Seattle, Portland (Ore.), San Francisco, New Orleans, Portland (Me.), Providence (R.I.), Austin (Tex.), San Juan (P.R.), Philly and Denver. New York City comes in at No. 12. More from T + L:

"Fishtown, just north of Center City, is one hipster magnet, drawing folks to quirky venues like the combined bar-and-art-gallery Kung Fu Necktie. For the best of the city’s microbrews and java, check out Ultimo Coffee in Point Breeze, which operates in conjunction with “beer boutique” Brew. Hipsters in Philadelphia still have a deep appreciation for old-fashioned diversions: the city ranks highly for its theater and classical music."